We are The State Museum of Pennsylvania history, science and art. To contact PHMC, please visit http://www.phmc.pa.gov . Since its creation in 1905, The State Museum of Pennsylvania has collected, preserved, researched, and interpreted the cultural and natural history of the state.
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Originally located next to the Capitol, the museum moved to its current location in 1964. It became a bureau of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in 1945.
Operating as usual
Interested in how we manage our collections? Ever wanted to explore our collections and don't know how to start? Start by watching this recording of a State Museum Perspectives! https://youtu.be/BWOj-mn1yxA
Then head on over to our database to dive in https://bit.ly/3gs7E4N
Learn how you can get a behind-the-scenes look at The State Museum’s and PHMC’s treasures from your own computer. State Museum director Beth Hager will talk...
Fritillary is the name of a flower and a butterfly! Both the plant and the insect have distinct checkered markings. This silver-bordered fritillary also has bands of metallic silver spots on the undersides of its hindwings. Found near bogs, marshes, sedge meadows and swamps, this small butterfly can be seen throughout the summer. Violets found near wetlands, such as Viola glabella, are host plants for the fritillary. Look for the adults feeding on common milkw**d, butterfly w**d and purple coneflower. #ExplorePA #InYourYard #GetOutside
Fritillary is the name of a flower and a butterfly! Both the plant and the insect have distinct checkered markings. This silver-bordered fritillary also has bands of metallic silver spots on the undersides of its hindwings. Found near bogs, marshes, sedge meadows and swamps, this small butterfly can be seen throughout the summer. Violets found near wetlands, such as Viola glabella, are host plants for the fritillary. Look for the adults feeding on common milkw**d, butterfly w**d and purple coneflower. #ExplorePA #InYourYard #GetOutside
#DidYouKnow? American potters’ early experiments with stoneware were influenced by their European predecessors, most notably English & German styles such as Fulham and Rhenish. #archaeology ➡ https://phmc.info/3gG5ugK
This week we continue with our ongoing series of posts on early historic ceramics found on archaeological sites in Pennsylvania. As with ot...
Summer is here! Looking for some experiments to do with the kids? Take a minute explore why some liquids mix together easily and some don’t mix at all. #PACuriosityKid #Liquids #experiment https://youtu.be/t9_vkfYBzoQ
Explore why some liquids mix together easily and some don’t mix at all. Try the experiment yourself.
Join State Museum Director Beth Hager and Dr. Walter Meshaka Friday, June 25 at 12:15pm as he discusses his work with turtles at Wildwood Park in Harrisburg, PA.
Virtual programs are free, but registration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/3q45U4Y to register now.
Join State Museum Director Beth Hager and Dr. Walter Meshaka Friday, June 25 at 12:15pm as he discusses his work with turtles at Wildwood Park in Harrisburg, PA.
Virtual programs are free, but registration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/3q45U4Y to register now.
Join us today at 12:15pm for a discussion about the Pennsylvania Grand Review and its significance.
Virtual program is free, but registration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/3gsybgW to sign up now.
Join us today at 12:15pm for a discussion about the Pennsylvania Grand Review and its significance.
Virtual program is free, but registration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/3gsybgW to sign up now.
Summer has a sting in its tail as Scorpius travels across the southern sky. The bright red supergiant star Antares creates the scorpion's heart with the hooked tail below. The constellation Libra leads the scorpion across the sky, but ancient astronomers viewed Libra as the scropion's claws. Two of Libra's star names, Zubenelgenubi and Zubeneschamali, are derived from their original Arabic meaning "the southern claw" and "the northern claw" respectively. #PlanetariumPA #constellation
Summer has a sting in its tail as Scorpius travels across the southern sky. The bright red supergiant star Antares creates the scorpion's heart with the hooked tail below. The constellation Libra leads the scorpion across the sky, but ancient astronomers viewed Libra as the scropion's claws. Two of Libra's star names, Zubenelgenubi and Zubeneschamali, are derived from their original Arabic meaning "the southern claw" and "the northern claw" respectively. #PlanetariumPA #constellation
Looking to plant some new flowers in your garden? Take a few and watch this recording of Learn at Lunchtime for some tips from Botanist, Andrew Rohrbaugh from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau. https://youtu.be/fS_vmly5lps
Are you planning to plant a flower garden this spring? Join Botanist, Andrew Rohrbaugh from the PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry for a talk about the value of plan...
Did you know that the first African American to serve as a war correspondent for a major daily newspaper was from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania? Join Dr. Frank Smith, Director of The African American Civil War Memorial and Museum in Washington, DC Friday, June 18 at 12:15pm for a discussion about the Pennsylvania Grand Review and its significance.
Virtual program is free, but registration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/3gsybgW to sign up now.
Did you know that the first African American to serve as a war correspondent for a major daily newspaper was from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania? Join Dr. Frank Smith, Director of The African American Civil War Memorial and Museum in Washington, DC Friday, June 18 at 12:15pm for a discussion about the Pennsylvania Grand Review and its significance.
Virtual program is free, but registration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/3gsybgW to sign up now.
Flag Day celebrates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as our official National Flag.
Have you ever wondered what the images on the Pennsylvania flag represent or what is the meaning behind the choice of the color blue? Find out more about the design of the official state flag of Pennsylvania. #flagday https://youtu.be/eOS0OExkTYw
Did you ever wonder what the images on the Pennsylvania flag represent or what is the meaning behind the choice of the color blue? Find out more about the d...
Charles H. Weisgerber (1856-1932) painted this monumental canvas (9’ x 12’) from 1892-93 to honor the legend of Betsy Ross and the creation of the first American flag. Weisgerber was inspired by the widely circulated account of Ross presenting the first flag to George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross in her Philadelphia home. While the true designer of the “Stars and Stripes” remains a mystery, Weisgerber's painting nonetheless calls attention to Betsy Ross' (1752-1836) compelling personal story.
The painting gained considerable public attention after it was exhibited in Pennsylvania's pavilion at the Chicago Columbian Exposition in 1893. “Birth of Our Nation’s Flag” was donated to The State Museum of Pennsylvania by the Weisgerber family in 2001. #CuratorsChoice #FlagDay #BetsyRoss
Explore this painting our online collections database http://ow.ly/FgJX50AolGN
Charles H. Weisgerber (1856-1932) painted this monumental canvas (9’ x 12’) from 1892-93 to honor the legend of Betsy Ross and the creation of the first American flag. Weisgerber was inspired by the widely circulated account of Ross presenting the first flag to George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross in her Philadelphia home. While the true designer of the “Stars and Stripes” remains a mystery, Weisgerber's painting nonetheless calls attention to Betsy Ross' (1752-1836) compelling personal story.
The painting gained considerable public attention after it was exhibited in Pennsylvania's pavilion at the Chicago Columbian Exposition in 1893. “Birth of Our Nation’s Flag” was donated to The State Museum of Pennsylvania by the Weisgerber family in 2001. #CuratorsChoice #FlagDay #BetsyRoss
Explore this painting our online collections database http://ow.ly/FgJX50AolGN
Looking to take a break this afternoon? Join our Planetarium Director today at 2pm and spend an hour learning about June's night sky.
Virtual program is free, registration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/3fkHmQ6 to register.
Join Museum Educator and Planetarium Director Linda Powell to explore Tonight's Sky in a virtual planetarium program and chat. We have all looked up at the night sky and enjoyed its beauty and mystery, but what’s up there that we can spot just using our eyes? Let’s discover what you can observe ...
Most of us can identify the shape of the Big Dipper in the sky, but did you know that this familiar sight is not a constellation but an asterism? Those seven stars are actually part of a constellation called Ursa Major. Explore more about constellations and asterisms seen in the Pennsylvania night sky and design your own constellations. #PAExplore #Explore! #BigDipper #Asterisms #Constellations
Zebra swallowtail butterflies are a beautiful sight with black zebra-like stripes on long triangular shaped white wings. Beauty isn’t their only value, as adults butterflies feed on nectar from flowers such as redbud, milkw**d and verbena, pollinating flowering plants and serving as food for other animals such as birds, reptiles and other insects. Every animal has to eat! #ExplorePA #InYourYard #GetOutside
Zebra swallowtail butterflies are a beautiful sight with black zebra-like stripes on long triangular shaped white wings. Beauty isn’t their only value, as adults butterflies feed on nectar from flowers such as redbud, milkw**d and verbena, pollinating flowering plants and serving as food for other animals such as birds, reptiles and other insects. Every animal has to eat! #ExplorePA #InYourYard #GetOutside
In May 1865, Washington D.C. hosted a Grand Review for Union armies. However, African American regiments were not invited to participate in this celebration. In response, residents of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania organized an alternative Grand Review for these veterans on November 14, 1865.
On Friday, June 18 at 12:15pm, join Dr. Frank Smith, Director of the African American Civil War Museum in Washington, DC for a discussion about the Pennsylvania Grand Review and its significance.
Virtual program is free, but registration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/3gsybgW to sign up now.
In May 1865, Washington D.C. hosted a Grand Review for Union armies. However, African American regiments were not invited to participate in this celebration. In response, residents of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania organized an alternative Grand Review for these veterans on November 14, 1865.
On Friday, June 18 at 12:15pm, join Dr. Frank Smith, Director of the African American Civil War Museum in Washington, DC for a discussion about the Pennsylvania Grand Review and its significance.
Virtual program is free, but registration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/3gsybgW to sign up now.
If you have orange sulfur in your yard, don’t worry it won’t smell! It's a butterfly! PA butterflies & moths sometimes have unusual names. Join us Friday, June 11 12:15PM to find out about our native Lepidoptera population.
Virtual program is free, registration is required visit https://bit.ly/3xVLzSU
If you have orange sulfur in your yard, don’t worry it won’t smell! It's a butterfly! PA butterflies & moths sometimes have unusual names. Join us Friday, June 11 12:15PM to find out about our native Lepidoptera population.
Virtual program is free, registration is required visit https://bit.ly/3xVLzSU
Have you been enjoying these warm nights outside looking at the night sky? Want to know more about what you are seeing? Join our Planetarium Director Sunday, June 13 at 2pm.
Virtual program is free, registration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/3fkHmQ6 to register.
Have you been enjoying these warm nights outside looking at the night sky? Want to know more about what you are seeing? Join our Planetarium Director Sunday, June 13 at 2pm.
Virtual program is free, registration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/3fkHmQ6 to register.
Planning a summer trip? Did you know you can pre-purchase your tickets? Visit http://phmc.info/SMOPTickets to purchase tickets early!
Before your visit, please take a moment to visit http://statemuseumpa.org/reopening to review our current hours and some new procedures.
Planning a summer trip? Did you know you can pre-purchase your tickets? Visit http://phmc.info/SMOPTickets to purchase tickets early!
Before your visit, please take a moment to visit http://statemuseumpa.org/reopening to review our current hours and some new procedures.
Whether large or small, brightly colored or camouflaged, butterflies and moths are not only beautiful, but are also ecologically important. Join Betsy Leppo, Invertebrate Zoologist with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Friday, June 11 at 12:15pm as we talk about native Pennsylvania butterflies and moths and the impact that human development has had on the Lepidoptera population.
Virtual program is free, registration is required visit https://bit.ly/3xVLzSU
Whether large or small, brightly colored or camouflaged, butterflies and moths are not only beautiful, but are also ecologically important. Join Betsy Leppo, Invertebrate Zoologist with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Friday, June 11 at 12:15pm as we talk about native Pennsylvania butterflies and moths and the impact that human development has had on the Lepidoptera population.
Virtual program is free, registration is required visit https://bit.ly/3xVLzSU
#DYK Gray foxes are one of the few members of the dog family, Canidae, that can climb trees? While most canines have blunt fixed claws built for running, Gray foxes have semi-retractable claws that can be used for climbing.
Find out more about #Pennsylvania's mammals in our #PAMammalHall 360 tour here statemuseumpa.org/pamammalhall
#DYK Gray foxes are one of the few members of the dog family, Canidae, that can climb trees? While most canines have blunt fixed claws built for running, Gray foxes have semi-retractable claws that can be used for climbing.
Find out more about #Pennsylvania's mammals in our #PAMammalHall 360 tour here statemuseumpa.org/pamammalhall
Colonial Ceramics - Porcelain
This week we go back to our series on early historic ceramics recovered from archaeological sites and their significance in interpreting the...
Have you been enjoying these summer nights outside looking at the night sky? Want to know more about what you are seeing? Join our Planetarium Director Sunday, June 13 at 2pm.
Virtual program is free, registration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/3fkHmQ6 to register.
Join Museum Educator and Planetarium Director Linda Powell to explore Tonight's Sky in a virtual planetarium program and chat. We have all looked up at the night sky and enjoyed its beauty and mystery, but what’s up there that we can spot just using our eyes? Let’s discover what you can observe ...
As the temperatures soar from spring to summer, so do the butterflies! But these winged insects don’t begin life in the sky, it starts on the ground. An egg laid on a host plant will hatch into a caterpillar, like this pipevine swallowtail larva, which will then feed off that plant. After finding a suitable location, the larva will transform into a pupa, also called a chrysalis. The adult butterfly will then emerge, soaring into the air to begin the cycle again by mating and laying eggs. #ExplorePA #InYourYard #GetOutside
As the temperatures soar from spring to summer, so do the butterflies! But these winged insects don’t begin life in the sky, it starts on the ground. An egg laid on a host plant will hatch into a caterpillar, like this pipevine swallowtail larva, which will then feed off that plant. After finding a suitable location, the larva will transform into a pupa, also called a chrysalis. The adult butterfly will then emerge, soaring into the air to begin the cycle again by mating and laying eggs. #ExplorePA #InYourYard #GetOutside
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The highly detailed work that goes into creating the landscape of each diorama at the State Museum's Mammal Hall cannot be underestimated. The crafting of Icicles, for one, is an art form. ⬇️
At first you might think it’s a Hummingbird, but it’s a moth! A Hummingbird Moth can hover, fly sideways, or backwards, just like a Hummingbird. Their rapid wing movement even makes a similar humming sound. Suspended in the air in front of a flower, this insect will insert its proboscis inside the flower to sip the nectar. Adult Hummingbird Moths will feed on a variety of flowers including phlox, beebalm, and honeysuckle. Larval stages feed on the leaves of hawthorn, honeysuckle, viburnum, and possibly your tomato plants! Look for this large pollinator #InYourYard!
Sometimes, the finer points that make up a diorama at The State Museum are overlooked. Here's how much work goes into these crucial details. #LearnInPlacePA #MuseumFromHome
Taxidermists typically remove specimens from a diorama before launching into a full restoration project. That plan turned out not be possible with two of these animals, so experts took another route. #LearnInPlacePA #MuseumFromHome
The Mammal Hall dioramas at The State Museum are time machines, transporting viewers to a specific place, at a specific time in Pennsylvania history. The restoration team blended art & science to capture the stance of each animal in nature. #LearnInPlacePA #MuseumFromHome
From the snow on the bobcat's paws to the hanging icicles, every detail in a diorama is part of the story. What does the surrounding terrain tell you about the life of this animal? #LearnInPlacePA #MuseumFromHome
#DidYouKnow? The State Museum's Mammal Hall dioramas are based on places peppered across the commonwealth. This video, depicting the restoration of the wolf diorama, will take you to Colton Point State Park. Watch as the artist compares elements of the painting to the scope of the landscape. #LearnInPlacePA #MuseumFromHome #wildlife
We know you miss visiting our exhibits. So, we're bringing the State Museum to you. This video plays in the "Picturing a More Perfect Union: Violet Oakley’s Mural Studies for the Pennsylvania Senate Chamber, 1911-1919" exhibit. On May 21, 1955, Oakley returned to the PA State Capitol to tour her murals. This video features an audio recording of her remembrances of her "Unity" mural in the Senate Chamber, from the collections of the State #Archives.
#DidYouKnow? The picketing of the White House in 1917 changed the tide of public opinion on women's suffrage. The "digital doors" of the State Museum are always open. That includes "virtual tours" of the newest exhibits. #LearnInPlacePA #WomensHistoryMonth #MuseumFromHome
The State Museum is closed, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a "virtual tour" of one of our newest exhibits. "Why Not in Pennsylvania? Campaigning for Women’s Suffrage in the Keystone State" showcases the important role Pennsylvania played in the struggle to win women the right to vote. #LearnInPlacePA #WomensHistoryMonth #MuseumFromHome
Does the dugout canoe at the Pennsylvania Farm Show float? Find out when you visit Booth 694, across from the carousel 🎠 . #PAFS2020. 👇
This mount, on exhibit at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, is recognized as the last Eastern Cougar killed in Pennsylvania. Watch as Dr. Walter Meshaka of The State Museum recounts the fascinating story of how this mount made its way to the museum. #PAFS2020
Heading to the #PAFarmShow this weekend? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the construction of The State Museum’s booth. #PAFS2020 Video courtesy of Purpose1, LLC.
On Sunday, join award-winning artist Amy LeFever & PHMC's Andrea Lowery for a casual tour of "Art of the State" as they share their thoughts regarding many of the exhibits most interesting works. #AOS2019 🎨 📸
We’re a go for liftoff at The State Museum! Celebrating Moon Madness & #Apollo50th.
Last year, Japanese officials, touring The State Museum's Three Mile Island exhibit, learned about the TMI clean-up operation. This week marks the 40th anniversary of the TMI Unit 2 partial meltdown.
We are #FacebookLive at The State Museum of Pennsylvania’s #NoonYears Celebration! Get ready for the countdown & firefly drop. #NewYears
This Sunday, celebrate the re-dedication of Mammal Hall at The State Museum of Pennsylvania ! Here's your agenda for the day: 👉 12:30-3 PM: Make Your Own Paper Diorama 👉 12:30-2 PM: The Animals of Mammal Hall 👉 1:30 PM: Re-Dedication Ceremony 👉 2 – 2:30 PM: Details of Timelessness Tour with Dr. Walter Meshaka 👉 2:45 – 3:15 PM: Art of the Diorama: Windows on Our Natural World Tour with Curator Carol Buck
Fifty years ago, a team was assembled to create the dioramas at The State Museum of Pennsylvania . Fifty years later, a new team enhanced this PA Treasure. Here's how they did it. #PaProud 👇
Which is your favorite Mammal Hall diorama The State Museum of Pennsylvania? Join Carol Buck on Thursday, Sept. 27 for an artistic look at these Pennsylvania treasurers 🦌🐻🦊. #PaProud #video
Philadelphia is well represented this year in "Art of the State: Pennsylvania 2018: ✅ Paula Cahill, Progression ✅ Andrea Beizer, Define Value ✅ Corliss Cavalieri, Venus & Cupid ✅ Peter Cunicelli Studios, Red Belly Vase ✅ Jerry Di Falco, Abe, Halloween 1962 ✅ Marguerita Hagen, Diatom Odontella Aurita Spiral Colony - LaMer, Jewel Series ✅ Nancy Middlebrook, Glacier #2 ✅ @Carol Tashjian, There Are Always Ghosts (Empty Room) #AOS2018 @Jump Street
Don't be confused by the name of Maria Maneos' sculpture, "5535 - 2017." Each crystal bead represents one person who lost their battle to heroin/opiate addiction in Pennsylvania in 2017. See her work at #AOS2018 . Jump Street
Going #BehindTheScenes at Noon Years 2017 to uncover what makes the famous firefly...fly. #NewYearsEve
Earthtones performing at the Holiday Marketplace. Come on down!
This Sunday, discover what's below your feet at Fort Hunter Day. Archaeologists are knee-deep into their search for further evidence of the remains of a French and Indian War era supply fort. Dauphin County Parks & Recreation
Spend Sunday afternoon taking a casual tour of "Art of the State" at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. Artist Michael Brolly will be your guide offering his perspective on many of the works. #ArtofState50 Jump Street
Every few years, Robert Stickloon creates a self-portrait. Sometimes, it’s because he can’t think of anything else to do & he's the most available subject. #ArtofState50 Jump Street
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
400 North StLeague of Women Voters of Pennsylvania
226 Forster StJoint State Government Commission
613 North Street, 108 Finance BuildingPennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus
State CapitolPennsylvania Council on the Arts
216 Finance BuildingPA Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
613 North DrivePSEA - PA State Education Association
400 N. Third Street
Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
216 Finance Building
Technology Council of Pennsylvania
415 Market Street, Suite 201 (Harrisburg Train Station)
Lower Paxton Township Arts Council
5000 Commons Drive
PA Office of Advocacy and Reform
555 Walnut Street
Pennsylvania Partnership for Juvenile Service
2789 Old Post Road
Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus
State Capitol
Councilwoman Keontay R. Hodge, Borough of St
123 N Front St
Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate
555 Walnut Street